Fresno State Squeaks Past Softball, 2-1

The No. 7 Oklahoma softball team lost a 2-1 heartbreaker to No. 15 Fresno State on Thursday evening at the Kia Klassic being played on campus at Cal State Fullerton. The loss drops in the Sooners to 1-1 in the Klassic and 25-7-1 on the year.

As promised, the game was a classic pitcher's duel between All-Americans Kami Keiter and Jamie Southern. Keiter, who is rounding into midseason form after sitting out the first month of the season with a strained biceps, allowed one earned run while striking out four and walking one.

Box Score

It is hard to argue that anyone has been more dominant than Bulldog ace Southern, who had a 0.17 ERA coming into the game. Her ERA didn't increase as the lone Sooner run was unearned. Southern improved to 15-3 and continues to anchor the Fresno State squad.

As the level of competition has increased this weekend, the offense of Heather Scaglione has not slowed down. Scaglione ripped a single into left field in the first inning that brought home April Valdez and gave OU the 1-0 lead. Scaglione has reached base safely in seven consecutive plate appearances, with four of those coming via base on balls. She finished the second game of the day 1-for-1 with one RBI and two walks.

Fresno State put together its only significant rally when it really mattered in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Bulldogs led off with a pair of singles. With one out Fresno third baseman Shasta Lewis hit a sharp liner to right field and was nearly picked off at first base by right field Mariee Mena. The throwing error got away from first baseman Christina Enea and brought home the tying run. An infield single by Christina Clark brought home the second and decisive run.

Oklahoma will conclude pool play against Arizona Friday morning at 11 a.m. (CST). Arizona is 30-0 on the season and the consensus No. 1 team in the land. Arizona has defeated Illinois, 4-1, and Fresno State, 7-0, during pool play.

OU's contest with No. 1 Arizona will not be broadcast on SoonerSports.com by KBPK, which is the local station that announced both of OU's games on Thursday. Saturday, KBPK will broadcast any games play on the main field at the Fullerton Softball Complex.

If OU wins against the top-ranked Wildcats they will advance into bracket play as the top seed from Pool D and would play at 7 p.m . (CST). If the Sooners lose they will play at either 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. (CST) on Saturday as the No. 2 or No. 3 seed.

Fresno State Squeaks Past Softball, 2-1

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Fresno State Squeaks Past Softball, 2-1

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